Bridging the Broadband Gap to Sandy Island
As we enter a time where technology is at the forefront of everything we do, Santee Cooper recently collaborated with Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) to complete a broadband project that brought much-needed internet access to the residents of Sandy Island.
The initiative was made possible by South Carolina’s Broadband Accessibility Act No. 175, signed into law in 2020, and was further supported by a grant from the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Program.
The three-month project involved a series of carefully coordinated efforts by Santee Cooper, including clearing an existing right of way to replacing 17 utility poles. Additionally, we installed an 85-foot steel pole to establish a reliable wireless link. Given the remote location of Sandy Island, transporting these materials required barge services, adding another layer of complexity to the project.
During the project, the team also undertook a comprehensive utility field assessment. This involved visiting Sandy Island to inspect each pole identified by HTC for fiber attachment, ensuring they met the required vertical clearance standards. Despite the sweltering summer heat, over 120 poles were meticulously checked, underscoring the team’s dedication to the project’s success.
“I believe that ‘teamwork truly makes the dream work’ applies to all the amazing Santee Cooper team members for their unwavering support and commitment to safely assist HTC in the endeavor to provide broadband communications at Sandy Island,” said Santee Cooper’s Manager of Area Distribution Engineering, Ozell Newman. “I express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone for all of their hard work and contribution toward this successful collaborative project.”
For more information about broadband or other services provided by Santee Cooper, visit our Doing Business With Us section of our website.
